Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping holiday meal that suits all the diet needs around your table or just want to do something beyond the traditional, we’ve got you covered. Here are 15 of the Best Celebratory Christmas Meals that don’t include turkey or ham. 

1. Black Bean and Zucchini Enchiladas

Filled with savory black beans, tender zucchini, and melty cheese, these vegetarian Black Bean and Zucchini Enchiladas are packed with plant-based protein and Tex Mex flavors. Make them ahead and refrigerate or freeze!

2. Herb-Marinated Pork Chops with Apple Chutney

These savory herb-marinated pork chops are the perfect recipe for transitioning to fall. A quick marinade infuses them with flavor and apple chutney adds a sweet-tart finish.

3. Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Calabrian Chimichurri

A whole roasted cauliflower always steals the show at a vegetarian feast. This version uses a technique I love – it’s steamed before being rubbed with spices and roasted until crisp. Topped with homemade chimichurri, this packs a flavorful punch and shows off all the colors of the season!

4. Lamb Wellington

A classic Beef Wellington is always a hit during the holidays but I love this twist. Made with a lamb loin and plenty of mushrooms, you can make and assemble the filled pastry ahead ready to bake.

5. Braised Red Wine Short Ribs

Braised short ribs are one of my favorite celebratory Christmas meals because they are incredibly forgiving. Prep them ahead and just warm them up to serve whenever folks get hungry. The meat is so tender and the cooking liquid so flavorful that you’ll want to serve them over a grain to soak up every last bite. 

6. Broiled Lobster Tails

Nothing says celebration like lobster tails! This Christmas meal recipe is simple and classic and includes many helpful step by step photos to help you prepare your lobster to perfection.

7. Slow Cooker Prime Rib

It can be easy to overcook a prime rib, especially with the added stress of guests, so I love this version made in the slow cooker. This easy-to-follow method includes instructions for medium, medium rare, and rare beef.

8. Savory Mushroom and Caramelized Onion Wreath

How festive and beautiful is this vegan-friendly main dish? Crisp vegan puff pastry encases a deceptively simple, rich mushroom-based filling. Get ahead by making the caramelized onions in advance.

9. How To Roast Beef Tenderloin

Beef tenderloin feels like a special Christmas meal and can be scaled to serve any size gathering. Here, it is simply cooked with a garlic browned butter sauce and ready to pair with a table full of classic or non-traditional holiday sides!

10. Sheet Pan Crispy Chicken Thighs and Lemon Rosemary Potatoes

This is a sheet pan meal that doesn’t feel like a sheet pan meal when served. Crispy chicken thighs and tender lemon rosemary potatoes give this meal a classic feel that just needs a crisp fresh salad on the side to be ready to serve. 

11. Korean Oven Braised Short Ribs

If you’re looking to try something totally different this Christmas, these Korean Oven Braised Short Ribs get my vote. Made with classic Korean flavors, this slow cooked beef dish can be made ahead and is great served over rice or noodles. 

12. Stuffed Acorn Squash

If you want a vegetarian dish that feels like it holds its own as a main course, stuffed squash gets my vote. Filled with quinoa and lentils, this version is hearty and comforting and would be great reheated for leftovers.

13. Bacon & Cranberry Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

Bacon & Cranberry Stuffed Pork Tenderloin celebrates all the flavors of the season. Using this boneless cut also means it’s easy to slice and serve right at the table.

14. Roast Rack of Lamb

With a herby, garlicky rub, a rack of lamb can be one of the most impressive cuts of meat to bring to the table. I love how easily it pairs with almost any seasonal side you can think of!

15. Blackened Salmon with Citrus Salsa Verde

This impressive Blackened Salmon recipe is full of bright, bold, flavors that feel so much lighter than the traditional holiday fare. 

Find more holiday recipes here.